News and opinions from the Jane & Sheppard area of Metropolitan Toronto. The news will usually reflect the views of the Sheppard West Neighbourhood Association (http://sheppardwest.org). This blog may also feature at times guest views and opinions.

One man has been taken to hospital after being shot in the city’s Downsview neighbourhood Wednesday night.
It happened at a highrise building on Chalkfarm Drive at around 7 p.m.
According to police, the victim was throwing garbage down a chute when he was confronted and shot.

Toronto has only two seasons: winter and construction. Now with the HOV controversy (where, again, Toronto's bad boy Rob Ford made headlines telling us that he breaks the law), a huge sinkhole on Eglinton Ave West is definitely not helping.

Not long ago, many pundits were shocked to see former Conservative MP Dean Del Mastro in handcuffs after having been found guilty of running afoul of election spending rules. In our beloved City of Toronto, a similarly ignoramus of ethical rules gets a mere slap on his wrists, where the handcuffs should have been.

Although seldom talked about, Toronto Police practice of carding is considered abusive mostly by the black community and, sadly, considered justify mainly by people in the white majority. It is perhaps for this reason that the newly minted Toronto Police Chief has vowed to keep it, despite belonging himself to the "black" minority.

Although known not to produce a lot in terms of sales, singles nights are a way for retailers to increase their profiles and manage to get some free publicity. It is a loss leader that only large chains can afford, and now that they will soon be able to sell alcohol, expect an increase in such events.

The Downsview Park, though neglected by authorities, is now coming to life thanks to community efforts and our beloved but underfunded library system. In a walk possibly inspired by Jane Jacobs, the library is making books available to youngsters and parents who want to go for a walk in the park.